Math Problem Statement
A sequence is defined by the recurrence relation $a_n = 11a_{n-1} + 3n$ for $n \geq 1$, with initial condition $a_0 = 1$. Find the smallest positive integer $n$ such that the sum of the first $n$ terms of the sequence is divisible by 11.
Solution
To solve the problem, let’s break it down step-by-step. We need to find the smallest positive integer such that the sum of the first terms of the sequence defined by the recurrence relation
is divisible by 11.
Step 1: Calculate a few terms of the sequence
We start with the initial condition and use the recurrence relation to compute the next few terms to understand the sequence better.
-
For :
-
For :
-
For :
So, the first few terms are:
Step 2: Define the Sum
We are asked to find the smallest such that the sum of the first terms is divisible by 11. Let
We need to find the smallest positive such that .
Step 3: Compute the Partial Sums
Let’s compute the partial sums step-by-step and reduce them modulo 11 to see when the divisibility condition is satisfied.
Let’s continue further.
-
(we need ): Thus:
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(we need ): Thus:
Step 4: Conclusion
The smallest positive integer such that the sum of the first terms is divisible by 11 is:
Would you like further details or clarifications?
Here are 5 related questions for deeper exploration:
- How can we find a closed formula for the sequence ?
- What are the properties of sequences defined by linear recurrence relations?
- How can modular arithmetic be used more systematically in recurrence problems?
- Can generating functions help solve such recurrence relations?
- What is the asymptotic behavior of this sequence as ?
Tip: When working with recurrences, computing a few initial terms often gives crucial insights into patterns and helps with verification.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Recurrence Relations
Modular Arithmetic
Summation of Sequences
Formulas
Recurrence relation: a_n = 11a_{n-1} + 3n
Sum of the sequence: S_n = a_0 + a_1 + ... + a_n
Modulus operation: S_n ≡ 0 (mod 11)
Theorems
Modular Arithmetic
Linear Recurrence Relations
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12
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